Degrees of Freedom of Connected Compasses

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the degrees of freedom of a connected pair of compasses, which includes three degrees of translation, three degrees of rotation, and two compass needle positions. Participants emphasize that while the needles may achieve parallel equilibrium positions, they do not remain parallel under all conditions due to the influence of N-N repulsion and N-S attraction forces. The complexity of the question is noted, with some participants finding it vague and yielding inconsistent interpretations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of degrees of freedom in mechanical systems
  • Familiarity with compass mechanics and their configurations
  • Knowledge of magnetic forces, specifically N-N repulsion and N-S attraction
  • Basic principles of rigid body motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of degrees of freedom in mechanical systems
  • Explore the mechanics of compass tools and their applications
  • Study magnetic interactions, focusing on N-N and N-S forces
  • Investigate rigid body dynamics and motion constraints
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, mechanical engineering, and robotics who are interested in the dynamics of interconnected systems and the behavior of magnetic forces in mechanical configurations.

AbhiFromXtraZ
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What will be the degrees of freedom of a ''Connected pair of compasses''?
 
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Assuming they are rigidly connected then three degrees of translation, three degrees of rotation, and two compass needle positions.
 
Have you thought about this?
The needles will always be parallel.
This is not a simple concept. There will be N-N repulsion and N-S attraction.
 
AbhiFromXtraZ said:
Have you thought about this?

Don't be rude.

AbhiFromXtraZ said:
The needles will always be parallel.

Just because their equilibrium positions are parallel does not mean they will always be parallel.
 
AbhiFromXtraZ said:
The needles will always be parallel.
The needles will not always be parallel. I can easily think of scenarios where they are not parallel.

AbhiFromXtraZ said:
There will be N-N repulsion and N-S attraction.
Yes, but that is irrelevant to the question of the number of degrees of freedom.
 
I found that a "pair of compasses" refers to the tool for drawing arcs/circles. This question is so vague it's hard to begin to answer it in a coherent manner.
 
Really the question is so vague...I'm getting different results every time...
 

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